MSU's Tom Izzo Defends Fears Again after Recent Criticism

The Spartans' head coach came to the defense of his point guard on Friday.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Michigan State's head basketball coach Tom Izzo spoke in defense of his point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. after Fears received heavy criticism for some questionable plays in recent games. Izzo acknowledged that he and Fears had a "come to Jesus" meeting, but said Fears has done "95% of everything right" both on and off the court. Izzo is still deciding whether to punish Fears, but said he will make the decision that is best for Fears and the program.

Why it matters

Fears is the leader of the Michigan State basketball team, so his behavior and actions can have a significant impact on the team's performance and reputation. Izzo's handling of this situation will be closely watched, as he tries to balance supporting his player while also addressing the concerning incidents.

The details

Video showed Fears tripping a Michigan player and receiving a technical foul for kicking a Minnesota player in the groin area. Izzo said he and Fears had a "come to Jesus" meeting, and while Izzo isn't saying Fears is innocent, he believes the situation has been "blown out of proportion" and that Fears deserves more benefit of the doubt. Izzo is considering punishing Fears, such as not starting him or suspending him for a half, but is still deciding the best course of action.

  • On Friday, February 6, 2026, Izzo spoke at a press conference to defend Fears.
  • The incidents involving Fears occurred in games on Friday, January 30, 2026 and Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Tom Izzo

The head basketball coach of the Michigan State Spartans.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

The point guard for the Michigan State Spartans basketball team, who has received criticism for some questionable plays in recent games.

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What they’re saying

“I think he understands what's going on. When you look at a kid, and you make decisions on your own kids or somebody else, you have to look at the full picture. And the whole picture for me [is]: he's a 3.1 [GPA] student... he's done absolutely zero [things wrong] off the court --- I've never had a problem --- I've never had a problem with him in the class room, I've never had a problem with drugs or alcohol.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

“You don't think this has already been handled? It has been handled. But if you think that I'm going to give in, to let you think I've got a loose cannon here, and the guy does 95% of everything right --- not only his play, but his off-the-court [actions], his [work] in the classroom. His body of work deserves somethng, and I'm the only one who knows that.”

— Tom Izzo, Head Coach, Michigan State Spartans

What’s next

Izzo is still deciding whether to punish Fears, such as not starting him or suspending him for a half, before Michigan State's next game against No. 5 Illinois on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the delicate balance coaches must strike between supporting their players and holding them accountable for their actions. Izzo's handling of this issue with Fears will be closely watched, as he tries to address the concerning incidents while also recognizing Fears' overall positive contributions to the team both on and off the court.